§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what dates discussions were held between Timex and his Department with regard to the future of the plant in Dundee: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartThere were numerous contacts in recent months between the Department and Timex management both here and in the United States of America, the latest of which was on the eve of the company's announcement on 15 June 1993 that its Dundee operation was to close.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial assistance was(a) sought and (b) offered to Timex in recent discussions on the future of the plant in Dundee; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartI can confirm that the recent discussions between the Department and senior Timex management covered the scope which might have existed to assist in the continued development of the Dundee plant, had the company decided to retain its operation there. These discussions were wide-ranging, but as is the case with all such contacts with companies, subject to the constraints of commercial confidentiality.
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